Page 134 of Your Soul to Keep

“Hi,” I greeted softly.

Pushing his hands into his front pockets, eyes wary but steady on my face, he plodded forward, his steps heavy.

I’d hurt him.

Again.

It wasn’t the first time, and God knew it probably wouldn’t be the last.

But it would be the last time I ran.

I swallowed.

He looked away, took a breath, then looked back at me. Shifting the toothpick around with his tongue, he opened his mouth to speak. Stopping mid-word, his eyes snapped back to the dining room table.

He pointed and grunted out one word, “Yours?”

I clasped my hands in front of me. “Yes.”

Chewing harder, he gritted his teeth. “I’m going for a shower. We’ll talk after.” He spun on his heel and headed for his bedroom, his energy palpable as he reached back with one hand and yanked his shirt off.

With my heart in my throat, I traipsed after him, nearly crashing into his wide back just inside the doorway.

Hitching his hands on his lean hips, he hesitantly stepped further in and scanned my additions on his dresser.

I followed, edging to the side so I could see his face.

My knees quaked as I mentally assured myself that he wanted this. He wanted me. I knew it, but I also knew he wasn’t sure if he could trust me.

Wasn’t sure if I was in this for him or the package he came with.

I could see it in his eyes, the rigid stance of his body, the ticking of the muscle in his jaw.

His Adam’s apple bobbed in his throat. He glanced at me then returned his attention to the dresser, the tension in his shoulders easing as his eyes ran over the wee cottages.

Finally, he turned to me with a small smile. “I like all your frou-frou things on my dresser.”

I smiled back, my heart in my eyes. “When tomorrow comes,” I cleared the tears from my throat. “For whatever time lies between now and then, I’m going to spend it loving you.”

His gaze sharpened as he turned fully toward me. “And Dylan?”

I nodded. “I’ll love her even after I’ve left this earth.”

“And what about Zoe?” he challenged.

I gave him a wry smile. “I can’t say I’ll love her, but she’s Dylan’s, Dylan’s yours, and you’re mine. I accept her place in our lives.”

The raw hope in his eyes near decimated me.

I moved quickly then and reached out to place my palm over his heart. “We’re all connected.” I paused. “And maybe I can be Dylan’s too, even if it’s only a little bit.”

He closed the final few inches between us, cupping his hands around my face and tipping my chin up.

His eyes searched mine. “You would take me, only me?”

I smiled. “Onlyyou? You’re only everything to me.”

His hands tightened as his eyes squeezed shut. “You’re sure?”

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